Cymbeline. A Winter's Tale. Two stories of mistaken jealousy, with frequent threats of disaster but with a happy ending. Cymbeline is a story of ancient Britain; the scene of the Winter's Tale is laid in Sic ily and Bohemia. The Tempest. The story of an exiled duke on an enchanted island. Here he brings his enemies within his power and is restored to his dukedom. King Henry VIII. A series of picturesque events in the life of King Henry and Cardinal Wolsey. Shakespeare's non-dramatic works include: Venus and Adonis (1593). The Rape of Lucrece (1594). The Passionate Pilgrim (1599). A collection of short poems, containing a few by Shakespeare. DRAMATIS PERSONÆ CLAUDIUS, king of Denmark. HAMLET, Son to the late, and nephew to the present king. HORATIO, friend to Hamlet. LAERTES, Son to Polonius. VOLTIMAND, CORNELIUS, ROSEN CRANTZ, OSRIC, A Gentleman, MARCELLUS, BERNARDO, courtiers. } officers. FRANCISCO, a soldier. REYNALDO, a servant to Polonius. Two clowns, grave-diggers. FORTINBRAS, prince of Norway. A Captain. English Ambassadors. GERTRUDE, queen of Denmark, and mother to Hamlet. OPHELIA, daughter to Polonius. Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants. Ghost of Hamlet's Father. SCENE: Denmark. The Tragedy of Hamlet, ACT FIRST SCENE I Elsinore. A platform before the castle. FRANCISCO at his post. Enter to him BERNARDO. Ber. Who's there? Fran. Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself. Fran. Bernardo? Ber. He. Fran. You come most carefully upon your hour. Ber. 'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco. Fran. For this relief much thanks: 'tis bitter cold, And I am sick at heart. Ber. Have you had quiet guard? Fran. Ber. Well, good night. Not a mouse stirring. 10 If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste. Fran. I think I hear them. Stand, ho! Who's there? 3 |